Complications of talus fractures in children

Abstract

Background: Pediatric talus fractures are rare with variable rates of posttraumatic complications reported in the literature. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate posttraumatic complications in children after talus fracture and report injury characteristics.

Methods: This study included 29 children with talus fractures sustained between 1999 and 2008 at an average age of 13.5 years (range, 1.2-17.8). Patient records and radiographs were reviewed to determine the mechanism of injury, fracture type, associated injuries, and treatment. Posttraumatic complications assessed were avascular necrosis, arthrosis, nonunion or delayed union, neurapraxia, infection or wound-healing problems, and the need for further unanticipated surgery. Clinical follow-up averaged 24 months (range, 6 mo-5 y).

Results: Twenty-nine children sustained a major fracture of the talar body, neck, or head. Avascular necrosis occurred in 2 patients (7%), arthrosis in 5 (17%), delayed union in 1 (3%), neurapraxia in 2 (7%), infection in 0, and the need for further surgery in 3 (10%). Both high-energy mechanism and fracture displacement corresponded to a greater number of posttraumatic complications. The number and severity of talus fractures increased in older children.

Conclusions: In this case series, posttraumatic complications after pediatric talus fractures occurred more frequently after a high-energy mechanism of injury or a displaced fracture. Talus fractures occurred more commonly and with more severity in older children.

Level of evidence: Level IV. Retrospective case series.